Milan Life and Travel Tips

(Milan, Lombardy, Italy)



Milan nightime viewMilan, Italy is one of Italy's great cities and locals are cheerful, friendly and generally very helpful. Good manners are welcome everywhere and expected by most people. Milan is undeniably a major-league cultural and historic city and worth a visit, whatever the time of year.

Language

Most Italian words are pronounced exactly as they are written, syllable by syllable, and there is often an emphasis on the last letter. A knowledge of Latin can be useful, both as the basis for Italian and also for reading the inscriptions on many monuments. Although Italian is the language of the land, English is generally understood and usually spoken to some degree at most Milan attractions, museums, hotels and restaurants that cater to visitors. In smaller towns and villages nearby, a phrase book is a useful item to carry. Italians pronounce words exactly as they are written and so when speaking English, it may sound a little strange.


Sunset over Milan image


Places of Worship

The people of Milan are very religious and enjoy going to church on a regular basis. There are a large number of churches in the city that welcome visitors and some even hold masses in English.

Smoking

In many buildings and public transport, rules restrict smoking and this is usually indicated by no-smoking symbols in prominent places. Most pubs and bars in Milan welcome customers who wish to relax with a drink and smoke, as a high percentage of Italians are smokers.

It is always worth exercising discretion and sensitivity when selecting a place in which to smoke. The best advice would be not to smoke unless others around you do so.

Tips for Using the Euro

The Euro is made up of eight coins and seven paper notes and was introduced on January 1, 2002. The 12 members of the European Union - Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain - planned the event for more than a decade, determining a conversion rate for each country's national currency. The colourful Euro bills, which include holograms and shades of green, yellow, blue, mauve, and orange, are identical across the Euro area. Coins have one common and one national side, but they can be used in any of the member countries, regardless of the country of issue. Old currencies are no longer accepted, although they can still be converted to Euros in central banks.

Tipping

Tipping is quite discretionary, with taxi drivers usually being given a small gratuity. Restaurants in Milan often include service charges and these are always clearly stated on the menus, although a small tip will still be expected. In Italy, even theatre and cinema usherettes expect a tip for showing you to your seat. Hotel staff, such as luggage handlers, happily accept a small tip. Generally, no other public service workers in Milan expect tips. You should always pay tips in cash, as this way you can be sure that the person it is intended for receives it fully.

Tourist Offices

Milan's tourist information service has several offices in the city centre that provide a wide range of information about tourist attractions, Milan accommodation and events. The Italian tourist board, Informazione e Accoglienza Turistica (IAT) and Azienda di Promozione Turistica (APT) tourist offices provide detailed information about the city, including information on attractions and cultural events. Milan has many tourist offices throughout the city and there is at least one open daily in Milan all year. Elsewhere offices may close in the afternoon out of season and offices in nearby villages have more limited opening times.

Telephones and Emergency Numbers


Safety

The biggest threat in Milan is by bag snatchers and pickpockets and thieves operate on foot and by moped. There thieves are very skilled, so be particularly careful with hand baggage. Wear a bag or camera across your body, or even use a concealed money belt. Also, ignore any illegal touts, who offer services such as arranging parking and finding hotels - although generally the city is free of con-men.

Taxes

VAT (IVA) is always included in the price and refunds are unusual in Italy. Tourists from countries outside of the EU may claim a refund on this tax if the item was purchased for personal use and cost more than a certain amount. Ask the shopkeeper for details.